Should I or shouldn't I ? ? ?

[DaRedFox]

Hello all,

I'm currently in the market for a 2nd vehicle, especifically an SUV and have always been interested in Land Rovers. I've narrowed it down to an '02 or '03 Freelander for looks, fairly economical for an SUV, off road capabilities, and more importantly it's reputation.

However while doing my research and reading through 4 different L/R forums it seems to me that the Freelander is a LEMON. About 6 out of 10 owner's have complaints after complaints with this particular model. Ranging from blown engines (KV4), blown tranny, the ever constant coolant leaks, defective window motors, shall I go on?

I had my heart set on one but is it a crap shoot, I've also noticed that compared to other mini-SUV's the Freelander seems to be in the lower price range against the likes of Honda's, Jeep's, Ford's and other manufacturers. So I ask myself why?

My heart says YES but my mind says NO. I guess I'm throwing this out here to get some feedback from actual owner's and to somehow justify my decision.

Should I or shouldn't I.....

[BIRD]

Why don't you get an LR2?

[DaRedFox]

An LR2 is out of my budget and the Disco is a bit of a gas guzzler hence my choice was the Freelander. Heck if I had my choice I'd get the Range Rover Sport.

[Spitfire]

Web forums are skewed towards the negative. You rarely get a lot of people posting about how problem free their vehicles are.

That said, having owned a Freelander and known a number of others who have as well, it's going to be a crap shoot. I had what seem to be the general problems: heater core leak, transmission reprogrammed, engine replacement due to coolant leaks, brake switch, rear window... etc.

Loved the truck when it was running! If you can get one with an extended warranty intact, that will buy you a couple of years before you'll start shelling out for repairs.

Good luck with whatever you choose!